A Successful Shock Treatment
A young military officer was traveling by train from Newark to New York City. He constantly introduced profane language into his conversation as he conversed with another passenger beside him. His profanity greatly annoyed a young lady who sat not far away.
At last, unable to tolerate his language further, the offended passenger leaned over and inquired politely, “Sir, can you converse in a foreign language?” “Yes,” was his reply in a slightly surprised manner, “Then,” she continued, “if you wish to swear anymore, you would greatly oblige me—and, no doubt, the rest of the passengers—if you would swear in another tongue.”
Astonished at her suggestion as well at her audacity, the young officer was speechless momentarily. However, he finally resumed his conversation; he did not swear again—neither in a “foreign language” nor in English.
At last, unable to tolerate his language further, the offended passenger leaned over and inquired politely, “Sir, can you converse in a foreign language?” “Yes,” was his reply in a slightly surprised manner, “Then,” she continued, “if you wish to swear anymore, you would greatly oblige me—and, no doubt, the rest of the passengers—if you would swear in another tongue.”
Astonished at her suggestion as well at her audacity, the young officer was speechless momentarily. However, he finally resumed his conversation; he did not swear again—neither in a “foreign language” nor in English.